Category: Book Spotlight

The Complete Series

Steel Hawk Security: A Romantic Suspense Box Set

Publishes 8th February 2018

Strap in for sizzling chemistry and fast-paced, thrilling action, all the way from 1851 to present-day. Meet the company of alpha-honourable heroes and strong, spirited heroines in a world of high-tech security, feuding royals, and missing diamonds.

Beginning at the birthplace of great engineering and design, The Great Exhibition, London, 1851 and moving to present day, Steel Hawk has prospered for 150 years by securing some of the world’s most treasured possessions. Now a secret from the past threatens to destroy the company, and a new generation must take up the fight. But with the battle only half-won, Steel Hawk is about to learn that trust has a price.

Three authors. Three full-length, standalone books of heart-pounding romantic suspense.

If you love historical romance and contemporary romance, steampunk elements, inventors, royalty, diamonds, bad-boys, alpha-geeks, co-workers-to-lovers, revenge, and psychological suspense with your mystery; then immerse yourself in the world of STEEL HAWK SECURITY and let the seduction begin…

Bk 1: To Love a Thief by Jane Beckenham

It’s one thing to lose your heart. Quite another to have it stolen. Years ago, notorious jewel thief “The Raven” vanished into the shadows. In 1851, Nathan Hawk emerges into a life of respectability, determined to make up for past sins. He and his business partner are introducing a lock they’re so sure can’t be broken, they’re displaying a priceless diamond, the royal Pasha Star, at the Great Exhibition. Rose Valetta’s father has been kidnapped, and she needs the Star to buy his freedom. She never expected to come nose-to-nose with Nathan. Their reunion is fraught with tension, especially when they discover the diamond in Nathan’s impregnable case is not the Pasha Star. With Nathan’s reputation in tatters, they race to find the real stone before it’s too late for Rose’s father. Too late to save the empire from a usurper. And too late to keep from losing their hearts.

My Thoughts…

This new box set kicks off with historical romantic suspense. Set in 1851, an iconic time for industrial development in England. Hawk Steel security is in its infancy and protecting a precious diamond is vital to the company’s reputation.

Nathan Hawk has so many secrets, an entire past life in fact and one he never wanted to revisit. Face to face with a girl he could never entirely forget, he finds his life infinitely more complicated than he would like.

Rose is no thief, but has to save her father, she never forgot Nathan Hawk, they shared her first kiss, but he left without a word, and Rose’s not going to open her heart back up to him again, even if she does need his help and expertise.

A fast-paced story with lots of action scenes, intrigue, and sensual romance. Rose is a courageous heroine, more comfortable in trousers than dresses she is a great character. Nathan is an anti-hero, he’s a sexy bad boy with a soft heart.

This story lays the foundations for the stories that follow and the secrets that will threaten the Steel Hawk security dynasty for years to come.

Jane Beckenham writes historical and contemporary romance after falling for stories about love and hope. Inspired by happy ever afters, she found her own true love and together they adopted and raised two daughters. She lives with her family in New Zealand where writing is her addiction – and sure beats housework!

Bk 2:Heart of Steel by Eve Devon

Colleague, friend, lover… liar? Adam Steel is in crisis mode. A recent exposé claims a founder of Steel Hawk was actually The Raven, an infamous jewel thief. And his assistant, Honeysuckle Hawk, has a sordid past he never knew about. Proving he never really knew her, never should have trusted her, and definitely shouldn’t start falling for her. With her dirty laundry flapping in the media storm, Honeysuckle’s first instinct is to run. Two things make her stay: Adam’s insistence it’s better to show the world a united front, and her heart’s insistence by his side is where she belongs. Amid the ensuing damage control, all eyes are on Adam’s ability to develop a prototype to secure and protect the Pasha Star diamond. High stakes and long hours ignite passion… until the diamond is stolen and Adam’s own prototype shows Honeysuckle is a thief. Dare he trust her to help him expose the real criminal—before the mastermind wreaks havoc on the royal family?

My Thoughts…

Mystery, technology and steamy romance all interact in this fast-paced contemporary romantic suspense.Adam Steel is the perfect geek hero, sexy, off the scale intelligent and yet surprisingly innocent in the rules of love, perhaps because of a secret in his past? Honeysuckle Hawk sounds like a character from a 1920’s novel, and she is so easy to like. She fulfills her role as Steel’s assistant with consummate ease, but she is a complex character hiding many secrets. She has something to prove, both to her family and most importantly to herself. The plot is suspenseful, as the mysteries surrounding Steel Hawk and their connection with the Zarrenburg royal family are uncovered. This is an action-packed tale with realistic, interesting characters. The chemistry between Adam and Honeysuckle is intrinsic to the story and results in sensual love scenes underscored by emotional commitment. The storytelling is flawless and compelling and utterly page turning.

Eve Devon writes romantic comedy, contemporary fiction and romantic suspense with sexy heroes, sassy heroines, and happily ever afters… She lives in leafy Surrey in the UK, a book-devouring, slightly melodramatic, romance-writing sassy heroine with her very own sexy-hero husband!

Bk 3: Dangerous Illusions by Sarah Ballance

Keep your lovers close, your enemies closer. Especially if they’re one and the same. With Steel Hawk reeling from explosions at Zarrenburg Castle, company lawyer Edward Long’s legendary stoicism has been severely tested. It’s clearly an inside job, and no one is deeper inside than Edward— which leaves him squarely center-frame. Someone is using him to bring down the company he loves. Worse, the PI that Adam Hawk sends to investigate… there’s something off about her. And something that seriously turns him on. Operating under an assumed name, Sophie Hawk aims to dig deeper into the company’s systems than any other investigator would dare. Especially with the prime suspect’s hot gaze tracking her every move. As their dueling intellects strike sparks, the rising heat threatens the trip wires Edward has set up around his heart— and the secret that ties him to a man who’ll stop at nothing to claim his right to rule the house of Zarrenburg. Or, if he can’t have it, destroy it— and everyone connected to it.

My Thoughts…

The third book in the series is contemporary romantic suspense, but the mysteries and problems of Steel Hawk Security and the house of Zarrenburg go back much further.

Edward, the company lawyer, has his suspicions about who is sabotaging the company and the royal family, but from the outside, he looks guiltier than most. Edward is again a geeky type of hero, but he is brave and loyal, despite outward appearances.Sophie Hawk has a vested interest in the company’s problems but working undercover, no one knows that. There is instant chemistry between Edward and Sophie. The dialogue is punchy and peppered with sarcastic remarks. The fighting soon turns to passion but can they trust each other?

There is a sinister ambience to this story because if Edward isn’t guilty someone unknown is, and they haven’t finished yet. A roller coaster ride of suspense, mystery, and romance. A great ending to a well thought out trilogy.

Sarah Ballance lives on the US mid-Atlantic coast with her husband and children. She writes in many genres and loves creating unforgettable stories while putting her characters through an unkind amount of torture—a hobby that has nothing to do with living with six children!

I received a copy of this box set from the authors in return for an honest review.

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Now Available in Paperback

Landry Albright just wants to be one of the interesting girls at school who always have exciting things going on in their lives. She wants to stand out, but also wants to fit in, so she gives in when her two best friends, Ericka and Tori, push her into trying out for a teen
reality show modeling competition with them. Landry goes in nervous, but impresses the judges enough to make it to the next round. However, Ericka and Tori get cut and basically “unfriend” her on Monday at school. Landry tries to make new friends, but gets caught up between wanting to be herself and conforming to who her new friends want her to be. Along the way she learns what modeling is really like, how to deal with frenemies, meets a new crush named Vladi, and that a true friend see you for who you really are and likes you
because of it.

Other Books by Krysten Lindsay Hager

Krysten Lindsay Hager writes about friendship, self-esteem,
fitting in, frenemies, the celebrity world, values, and self-image in True Colors and Best Friends…Forever? Landry in Like, Next Door to a Star and Competing with the Star. Best
Friends…Forever? was ranked at #1 on Amazon’s Hot New Releases in Teen
& Young Adult Values & Virtues Fiction and True Colors is an international bestseller. Her work has been
featured in USA Today, The Flint Journal,the Bellbrook Times, the Grand Haven
Tribune, and on the talk show Living Dayton.

Wedding planner, Veronica Soto-Stewart believes everyone deserves a fairy tale–even her ex-boyfriend. Unable to refuse his request, and with the help of Bliss Events motley crew, she finds herself creating the most magical event for the perfect couple.

But nothing is ever perfect…

And not all happy ever afters can be planned…

Levi Laurent can’t believe his luck. Thanks to his best friend’s wedding, he finally has a shot at the woman he’s always wanted–Veronica. From San Francisco to Paris, and back, he pulls out all the stops, so she knows where she really belongs–with him. But Veronica wants nothing to do with the rich, sexy, irresistible playboy.

Can Levi convince Veronica that her perfect happily ever after is closer than she ever realized?

Michelle ‘s love for writing blossomed when her father gave her a diary. Instead of recounting her daily life, she wrote stories of fictional people. Like most of her characters, she believes in Happily Ever After. Naturally, she finds harmony in writing romance.
An unabashed, self-proclaimed foodie, Michelle loves to try new food whenever given the chance. She loves to travel, dislikes the cold weather and would rather buy paperbacks than shoes. She enjoys watching foreign films and reading a great book that makes her swoon.
Michelle lives in Ontario, Canada with her husband, two kids and a morkie pup named Scarlett.

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On the surface, Jenna Landsen has it all… She’s smart, beautiful, confident, and married to Camden Landsen, who happens to be drop dead sexy and just as successful. But after five long years, all the success in the world hasn’t brought the romantic spark back into her marriage. Jenna fears it never will. When life gives you lemons, open a bakery and name it Vi’s… Violet Streiff made the exact mistake her mother warned against—she fell in love with Liam Coffman, a charming finance major. When he left her heartbroken to further his career, Violet drowned her sorrows by opening a bakery, and now relies on Bob, her eighteen-pound cat, for warmth at night instead of a sexy man. To find love, sometimes you first have to discover yourself… When Jenna’s job offers an extended trip to New York, she packs her bags and takes a two-month vacation from life. The chance of her marriage surviving looks grim, until the surprise of a lifetime throws a wrench in her plans to stay in the Big Apple for good. You can bend the rules—but sooner or later they’ll break… When Violet meets a gloomy but totally drool-worthy guy named Camden in her shop, she’s sure her luck has changed. There’s no denying the chemistry, but he’s married, and that’s a major problem. Violet isn’t a homewrecker. Still, staying away from Camden proves nearly impossible. That is, until his wife comes home. Two women. Two men. Double the chance to find love in the most unexpected places—or double the chance for disaster.

I am a high school English teacher, an author, and a fan of anything pink. I am truly the English teacher cliché; I love cats, reading, Shakespeare, and Poe. I currently live in my hometown with my husband Chad; our cats Arya, Amelia, Alice, Bob, and Marjorie; and our Mastiff Henry. As the author of two novels, Voice of Innocence and Without You, I have many inspirations in my life as a writer. My parents instilled in me a value for education and reading from the time I could talk. One of my earliest memories is sitting with my parents as they taught me to sound out words. My husband has also inspired me to pursue my dream of writing. I met Chad in an art class when we were only twelve. He has shown me that love is real, is enduring, and is our most important ally in this sometimes harsh world. He has supported me through this entire process, believing in my writing even before I believed in it myself. My hope is that by becoming a published author, I can inspire some of my students and other aspiring writers to pursue their own passions. I want them to see that any dream can be attained, and publishing a novel isn’t out of the realm of possibility.

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Definitely one of my favourite books this summer from the lovely Debbie Johnson, I’m sharing my review again, now that the paperback has been released.

Even at the story’s poignant beginning, the humour shines through, in the words of the enigmatic Laura, the heroine of this unusual story. I loved that we gathered all the necessary back story information, in letter form, as she answered a unique advertisement for a strange but intriguing, lifestyle job.

Laura is honest, loyal and has a lovely self -depreciating humour that is recognisable to most women, who have families, where they are the unappreciated lynchpin. The journey to their new adventure shares similarities, with most people’s long car journeys, with children and animals. The realistic dialogue and bordering on chaos scenarios made me giggle and reminiscence.

Despite Laura’s fragile emotional state, a delightful sense of humour runs through this story. From the first meeting with the ‘Tall bloke.’ the visuals are great, so easy to imagine, especially ‘the flying undies as the top box is unpacked’.

The VIPS that make up the cafe regulars, all have a story to share as they reveal idiosyncrasies and secrets. Laura starts to heal as she listens to the cafe’s regulars stories and Matt (the tall bloke), help’s her discover the side of herself she never really knew existed.

This is a story of healing, family and being brave enough to dip your toe back in the pond again, after life’s unpredictable knocks. I would love to find this Cafe that restores your faith in human nature.

I received a copy of this book from Harper Collins in return for an honest review.

‘I am feeling suddenly very tired and very sad. The absurdity of my situation flashes across my mind: I have uprooted my children, myself and my very elderly dog on some kind of wild-goose chase, pursuing God knows what. Happiness? Progress? A break from the underlying misery that seems to have been wrapped around my heart every day since David died?

Well, whatever it is, I’m not pursuing it fast enough – all I’m finding is exhaustion, grumpy kids, senile dogs and a caffeine overload. That and chronic embarrassment as I apologise to a mostly naked man, in the dark, in a place I’ve never even visited before – a place I’ve unilaterally decided to make our home for the summer.

I clench my eyes together very, very tightly, squeezing back any watery signs of self pity that might be tempted to overflow, and force myself to look at the man instead of the dog.

I can only see bits of his face reflected in the silvery lighting, but he looks about my age. Maybe a little older, I’m not sure. His hair is definitely a bit too long, and will probably dry a lighter shade of brown once it’s not soggy. His eyes seem to be hazel or brown or green, I can’t really tell, and he’s not smiling.

He was smiling when he was playing with Jimbo. But now he’s not. Now he’s looking at me. I guess I just have that effect on tall, handsome strangers.

’Are you all right?’ he asks, gruffly, frowning at me with such style and finesse that I instinctively know he frowns at least as much as he smiles. I suspect he’s one of those people who vastly prefers animals to people, and communicates much better with dogs than humans.

’Oh, yes, thank you… just tired. We’ve been driving all day and now we’ve got to find our cottage and unload the roofbox, and I don’t know how I’m going to do that because I didn’t bring the foot stool and I’m too short, and the kids need some dinner and I need some coffee… well, probably wine, to be honest, and…’

I catch a glimpse of his expression as I ramble incoherently, and note that he looks slightly frightened. I realise I sound like a crazy person and as I have the kind of hair that expands in heat and I’ve been stuck in a hot car all day, I undoubtedly look like one too.

’And yes, I’m fine, thank you,’ I say, firmly. ’Do you happen to know where the Hyacinth House is? I have the keys.’

’I can help you,’ he says, looking away from my eyes and gazing off into the distance. He sounds a little bit grumpy, a touch reluctant – as though he knows he should help, but doesn’t really want to engage.

’No, I’m all right…’ I insist, wondering how I’m going to get Jimbo off his feet without appearing rude.

’Let me help. I don’t have any wine, but I can help with the other thing.’

’What?’ I ask, staring up at him in confusion. ’You can help me stop being too short?’

Quick as a flash, a grin breaks out on his face and he lets out a laugh. It doesn’t last long and he seems to clamp down on it as soon as he can, like he’s not used to hearing the sound in public.

’Sorry, no. I’m a vet, not a miracle worker. But I can unpack the roofbox for you. I’ll get dressed and come round. Hyacinth is just back there – next to the swimming pool. This is the nearest you can get the car, but I’ll help you unload. I assume you’re Laura?’

I feel a jolt of surprise that he knows who I am and also a jolt of a stubborn desire to continue insisting that I don’t need any help at all. I settle for just nodding and giving him a half-hearted smile as he extricates his bare feet from underneath the snoring dog’s tummy.

’Thought so. In that case, if I know Cherie, she’ll have left wine in the cottage – so all your problems will be solved.’

Ha, I think, watching him disappear off up the path and noticing Lizzie still tapping away on her phone, face scrunched up in that very deliberate expression of vexed boredom that teenagers specialise in.

ON DRY LAND by Rebecca Barber

Publisher: Limitless Publishing

Release Date: June 14, 2016

Cover Designer: WICKED BY DESIGN

Living in the spotlight was just part of Tyler’s life. Magazines, paparazzi, and being the topic of every sports radio show in Australia…it was either adjust or be driven insane. He’d gotten used to his fame. Hell, he even enjoyed it. But there is one thing he can’t get used to—his girlfriend, Ava Jacobs, hates being the center of the public’s attention.

Ava has lived her life in the shadows—and that’s exactly how she likes it.

But after fulfilling her lifelong dream to have her debut novel published, her world is turned on its head by Tyler’s fame. She writes novels for a reason—it’s a quiet, peaceful profession. The last thing she wants is to be thrown into the spotlight.

Love and life don’t always fit as well as fame and fortune.

Frustrated by Ava’s continuous reluctance to publicly embrace their relationship, Tyler takes every opportunity to make his own declarations—social media posts, visiting her at work, and even crashing her first television promotional appearance, which she grudgingly accepted as part of her publishing deal.

With Olympic selection looming, Ava’s publisher eagerly awaiting a sequel to her hit novel, and day-to-day life taking a toll, Tyler starts to see that life is much easier in the pool than…

On Dry Land.

Rebecca, one of four kids to her parents who are both primary school teachers, was born in Wollongong on the south coast of Australia before moving to the country with her family. After a few years of embracing all that country life had to offer, the family relocated to Port Macquarie with its white sand beaches. After a brief period enjoying the sun and the surf they finally settled in Canberra where Rebecca still lives today. But all through her childhood a notepad and a book where never far away. These days Rebecca is an avid reader, and when she isn’t buried in a book or cheering on her beloved football team she’s spending time with her husband Robert and their overly spoilt dog Levi.

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It’s all a game until they’re betting with their lives.

Alaya Matthews is in search of freedom. Tired of her mundane life, she packs everything she owns into two bags and heads for Europe. Her plan is simple: see the world and be adventurous, don’t get tied down, don’t settle for less than her heart’s desires, and never fall in love.

However, Alaya didn’t plan for Cole Ashford.

Drawn to her love of life, Cole wants to know how to live again. For seven years he’s been dead inside, and the numerous threats hanging over his head have finally caught up with him. What Cole doesn’t realise is accepting Alaya’s help will mean confronting every part of his tainted past. Alaya is desperate to know what haunts him, and she’s so certain he’ll reveal it she invents a bet he can’t refuse.

One is never enough though, and as they grow closer together, the more daring their wagers become. Neither of them will back down from a challenge, but the stakes are being raised. Gambling on Cole may cost Alaya her heart, or even worse, her life.

Bet On Me is $0.99 for the release week only!

This story captures the essence of what it is to be young and vibrant.

Alaya has her future mapped out, but unfortunately, she’s not the one doing the planning. Her view of her future is very different from her parents. Strong willed and independent; she knows exactly what she wants to do with her life, and is courageous enough to put her plans into action.

Meeting a sexy stranger is not on the list, but she’s prepared to be flexible and cannot resist flirting and making a bet that will give her more angst and excitement than she could have dreamed for herself.

The setting for this story is European and interesting and there is a strong suspense thread. Cole has secrets and a dangerous past. His strong attraction to Alaya risks both their lives. There is great build up of sensual tension between Alaya and Cole and well written sexy scenes. This is a page turning read; where extreme sports are not the only element of danger.

If you enjoy glamorous new adult romance with a strong flavour of dangerous suspense, this one’s for you.

I received a copy of this book from the author in return for an honest review.

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It’s all a game until they’re betting with their lives.

Alaya Matthews is in search of freedom. Tired of her mundane life, she packs everything she owns into two bags and heads for Europe. Her plan is simple: see the world and be adventurous, don’t get tied down, don’t settle for less than her heart’s desires, and never fall in love.

However, Alaya didn’t plan for Cole Ashford.

Drawn to her love of life, Cole wants to know how to live again. For seven years he’s been dead inside, and the numerous threats hanging over his head have finally caught up with him. What Cole doesn’t realise is accepting Alaya’s help will mean confronting every part of his tainted past. Alaya is desperate to know what haunts him, and she’s so certain he’ll reveal it she invents a bet he can’t refuse.

One is never enough though, and as they grow closer together, the more daring their wagers become. Neither of them will back down from a challenge, but the stakes are being raised. Gambling on Cole may cost Alaya her heart, or even worse, her life.

Bet On Me is $0.99 for the release week only!

Buy Bet On Me within the first week and you can also claim an exclusive bonus scene. Just fill in the form HERE.

He shook his head in despair. “I’m beginning to think I made a mistake trying to save you. You’re not going to make my life easy, are you?”

I clutched my hands to my chest, giving him my best dreamy-eyed swoon. “Aww, you were trying to save me. You’re so sweet! And for the record, no, I’m not going to make your life easy. But hey,” I shrugged, “it was your choice. You could always save me by boxing him against the window and leaving me in peace.”

“Oh really? Maybe I’ll just go to the toilet instead and leave you to fend for yourself.” He kicked one leg out into the aisle, moving to stand. When his body shifted, it gave me another glimpse of the greasy-haired man who watched us from the corner of his eye and reached for his bag, as if ready to pounce as soon as Hazel … uh, Cole moved.

Throwing away all self-respect, I reached out and grabbed his wrist. “No!”

He sniggered and collapsed back against the seat with a smirk. “So you do need saving.”

I narrowed my eyes at him. “You’re cruel.”

“Sweetheart, you don’t know me, remember? Don’t sound so surprised.”

My jaw dropped at his words and my gaze shifted nervously around the carriage. Maybe I was better off taking my chances with the other guy. I swallowed hard.

“I’m not your sweetheart.”

“Would you prefer it if I called you Ice Queen or Gingernut instead? Because I didn’t think those would go over as well.”

Glowering at him for flipping my line back around on me, I folded my arms across my chest. I refused to rise to his teasing and ask why those names. Gingernut obviously came from the way my hair changed colour in the sun. However, Ice Queen could have been because of a number of things.

“This is the part where you’re supposed to give me your name,” he prompted when I didn’t respond.

“You could always not talk to me. Problem solved.”

“Sweetheart it is.”

#1 Amazon bestselling author Mia Hoddell lives in the UK with her family and two cats. She spends most of her time writing or reading, loves anything romantic, and has an overactive imagination that keeps her up until the early hours of the morning.

Mia has written over ten titles including her Seasons of Change series, the Chequered Flag series, the Elemental Killers series, and her standalone novels False Finder, Not Enough, and Bet On Me.

Her favourite genres are contemporary romance or romantic suspense, and with an ever growing list of ideas she is trying to keep up with the speed at which her imagination generates them. She also designs book covers on her website M Designs.

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Sydney West’s new relationship might have survived Malibu, but her transformation from party girl to girlfriend isn’t complete…

Sydney is back in Arizona, and with the fall semester at her doorstep, doubts about her so-called summer love start to plague her. A good girl can only stay good for so long. Jason King changed her and made her wonder if love was real. But now, far from his charm, and with the party scene on campus in full swing, the magic is fading…

Jason isn’t willing to let distance drive a wedge between them…

A surprise reunion and a romantic cabin getaway is enough to reignite their summertime spark, but Sydney isn’t convinced this whole monogamous, meeting-your-parents thing Jason wants is possible. No boy has ever met her mother. Then, when a sudden family tragedy strikes, it sends her spiraling into her old habits of booze and boys.

Sydney can only hide from her past for so long…

In the fog of drowning her sorrows, Sydney realizes her former party lifestyle won’t make her happy. Her one-night stands ended with Jason. As much as she wants to believe in that far-fetched fairytale ending, she’s afraid if Jason finds out about all her summer boys, he will abandon her just like her father did.

Jason refuses to settle for the superficial shell Sydney keeps between them, though, and is determined to…

Break Down Sydney once and for all.

Amazon CA

Sydney is back in Arizona with her friend Amelia and she is in love but hardly dares to admit it to herself, because long distance relationships don’t work right? Jason has other ideas and doesn’t want to let Sydney slip through his fingers but then something from Sydney’s past returns and the aftermath makes a return of the old Sydney inevitable, or does it.

This is an emotional story, told from a first person point of view. Sydney’s new relationship makes her question her former ‘love them and leave them’ lifestyle. Jason is a complex character but his love for Sydney is self evident and he gives her the strength she needs, to ride their emotional roller-coaster.

An unexpected plot twist makes you wonder if fate will rob Sydney of her happiness and sets the scene nicely for the third book in the series.

Aimed at lovers of young adult and college romance this story provides, angst, realistic life situations and lots of hot loving. It’s well written and definitely worth reading.

I received a copy of this book from the author in return for an honest review.

Jason set a warm cup of coffee in front of me. I blinked a few times before cradling the cup against my chest. I sipped it, letting the hot liquid scorch my throat.

With the cup back on the table, I glared at him. What does he see in me? Why would anyone want to help someone like me? I’m no good, just need to be thrown away.

“Why are you here?” I asked more to myself than to Jason.

“Excuse me?” He raised an eyebrow.

“Why are you so nice to me all the time? I don’t deserve it. I—” Tears fell down my cheeks. Would I never stop crying after all this?

I am broken.

Jason cupped my chin with his hand, forcing me to look at him. “I love you, Sydney. I love the good in you. I love your flaws. I love every piece of you. The sooner you realize what love means the sooner you can stop feeling broken.”

How does he know I feel broken?

Brittney Coon graduated Magna Cum Laude from Arizona State University with a Bachelor of Science in Communication and a minor in Film and Media Production. Brittney has always been creative and turned to writing to share the stories playing through her head. In her spare time she reads, watches Friends, and hangs out with her cats. She currently lives in Arizona.

Leah Watton’s practical joke has spiralled way out of control—all to impress a crush…

With a prank online video, Leah hopes to catch the attention of Jake Colton, a cute, blond-haired, blue-eyed co-worker she’s had a crush on for months. But instead of sending it to Jake, she manages to forward the clip to her boss—who buys every gory second.

When mass panic ensues, Leah learns the video is more than a staged act…

The government is calling the virus AM13. As the outbreak spreads, citizens are forced to stay indoors while they assess the gravity of the illness. Most people are quarantined in their homes, but Leah, Jake, and Leah’s best friend Michelle are some of the unlucky few who are stuck at work when the Lockdown occurs.

That’s where she first encounters one of the infected…

Aside from a contaminated woman devouring one of her co-workers, Leah has another problem. Does she do as she’s ordered and stay at work? Or should she disobey government orders and break free to reunite with her family?

She can’t go it alone—after all, Leah has none of the skills needed to survive—but with Michelle and Jake by her side, not even a contagious virus and a sea of the dead can keep her from…

Breaking out of the Lockdown…

Samie Sands is a 30 year old freelance graphic designer who has recently decided to follow her lifelong dream and use her creativity in a new way by writing.

She has a degree in Media Studies and PR and has already had articles published in a number of e-zines, including one of the most popular pieces at Zombie Guide Magazine. She has also had a number of her short stories included in some very successful anthologies.

She lives in a small seaside town in the UK, but loves to travel to gain inspiration from new places and different cultures. To follow Samie’s work, please check out her website